MacKinnon's probably never played on the fourth line in his life, so I'd give him a free pass so far. With limited icetime and more defensive linemates, it's kind of difficult to play an offensive/defensive game.

I've might get flamed for this, but I've been expecting to see more from Huberdeau personally. I know he has 7 points in 4 games, but he just hasn't wowed me in a tournament where I expected him to breakout. I thought the 2nd line was the weakest of the 4 lines Canada iced today, and that comes after Huberdeau gets demoted to that line. and agree with you on Yakupov as well.

I've seen Huberdeau a few times now and he's never impressed me.

I want to believe in him, but can't seem to. I've noticed RNH and Scheifle, as well as Drouin and Jenner quite a bit. There are a number of others, that was just off the top of my head that I've liked better than Huberdeau.

Seems like Maatta is dealing with an illness, but that's no excuse for his poor play. He get's my vote.

Not sure how people can say Galchenyuk. He's creating offense, getting open and he's 3rd in scoring. Maybe it's because he's quietly getting things done that makes it look like he's been underwhelming.

The Russians just didn't seem to have any effective systems play going. It was just one guy trying to skate through four Candians. Maybe at this level Yakupov needs another good player to work with and try to give him some space, like with Kuznetsov last year.

Sure it's just going to get tougher for him at the NHL level as it should, but he will also have some pretty good players to work with, including the tournament leader in points in RNH, as well as AHL pt leaders Eberle and Schultz. Kid is gonna be fine and will benefit immensely from playing with other elite talent.

Yakupov easily for me. Especially in the game against USA, he just made some terrible decisions. He tries to take on guys 1 on 3 constantly and either loses the puck or takes a weak shot that misses the net by 3 feet. Not the least bit impressed thus far.

Grimaldi: Has looked selfish, hasn't used his linemates, lacks hockey IQ, and has just been ineffective considering skill level.

Gaudreau: Up until the US game against Slovakia, he hadn't been the BC Gaudreau that I've seen tear up by BU Terriers. He had some chances, but couldn't capitalize. But after seeing the chemistry he has with Miller and Vesey, he will probably be gone from this list soon.

Lindholm & Barkov: Two draft-eligible guys that have played very well in their respective leagues(SEL and SM Liiga) that haven't put up much offense in the tournament. I expected both of them to tear it up and raise their draft stock by getting more exposure in NA, but neither has really seized the opportunity.

And today he was Canada's worst defenseman. Of course, you wouldn't hear about it here at the HFRiellyHypeTrainBoards.com

No one on Team Canada's defence played badly, must have been watching a different game. Infact no one on Team Canada I can say had a poor game. Even the Murphy and Hamilton PP back pairing finally resembled a PP combo.

Grimaldi: Has looked selfish, hasn't used his linemates, lacks hockey IQ, and has just been ineffective considering skill level.

Gaudreau: Up until the US game against Slovakia, he hadn't been the BC Gaudreau that I've seen tear up by BU Terriers. He had some chances, but couldn't capitalize. But after seeing the chemistry he has with Miller and Vesey, he will probably be gone from this list soon.

Lindholm & Barkov: Two draft-eligible guys that have played very well in their respective leagues(SEL and SM Liiga) that haven't put up much offense in the tournament. I expected both of them to tear it up and raise their draft stock by getting more exposure in NA, but neither has really seized the opportunity.

Wait a second, Lindholm has been one of the best forwards on team Sweden and been playing just as good as Drouin who by many are considering the biggest surprise of the tournament and you are dissapointed with his performance?

I can't believe all the flak MacKinnon is taking. He's 17 years old, he has 2 more tournaments to play in possibly, and is playing a limited role. Crosby only had 5 points in his first WJHC.

Crosby was a year younger than MacKinnon in his first WJC. These are short tournaments and it really shouldn't have much of an impact on draft position. But there is no question that of potential "first overalls" Canadians, MacKinnon has been probably the most underwhelming in recent years.

But hell, as I said it doesn't really matter all that much. RNH didn't even make the WJC team in his draft year and Stamkos who had the worst tournament of the guys listed here is unarguably the best right now.
MacKinnon has been underwhelming though. Just has not accomplished much. 4th line or not. Doesn't mean he wont be an elite player though.

Crosby was a year younger than MacKinnon in his first WJC. These are short tournaments and it really shouldn't have much of an impact on draft position. But there is no question that of potential "first overalls" Canadians, MacKinnon has been probably the most underwhelming in recent years.

But hell, as I said it doesn't really matter all that much. RNH didn't even make the WJC team in his draft year and Stamkos who had the worst tournament of the guys listed here is unarguably the best right now.
MacKinnon has been underwhelming though. Just has not accomplished much. 4th line or not. Doesn't mean he wont be an elite player though.

I really like what I've seen from Mackinnon. It's too bad he hasn't put up points, but there really hasn't been much opportunity in his limited role. Great speed, hands, smarts, backchecking, physicality...he's played well by the eyeball test, IMHO.

I'm convinced he'd be a boon to the offense if he were put in a position to succeed. He's one of the 6 best offensive forwards on the team - not sure why the likes of Rattie are getting the plum minutes over him, to be honest.

Just based on my expectations pre tournament, based on their overall play so far and not just their point production, and It doesn't reflect their career potential.
I'd say
Miller, Grimaldi, Galchenyko, Hamilton, Huberdeau, Murphy, Yakupov, Grigorenko
I'll give Jones and MacKinnon a pass because they are only 17/18, and it's a tough tournament at that age.
And the medal rounds could really change the players performances and these guys listed could end up playing up to their potential......